If you still think Apple Watch Series 7 is one of the finest smartwatches you have ever tried, I bet you have not yet tried out Apple Watch Series 10. Defining “upgrade” to its maximum potential, Apple Watch Series 10 beats all its predecessors.
After trying out both watches, here is everything you need to know about the two. Check out the complete breakdown for Apple Watch Series 7 vs 10 below.
Price
Apple Watch Series 7 was launched with the base model starting from $399. The price surely escalates depending on the model and features that you desire. But that was long before, because now Apple has discontinued selling this series.
However, I have found that you can still get an Apple Watch Series 7 for as little as $169 on Amazon. For a much cheaper price, try searching for it on eBay, which can range from $79 to $150.
Just like the Apple Watch Series 7, the Apple Watch Series 10 starts at $399 for the base model. Again, the price increases if you want advanced features like GPS, case size, and material. Those looking to buy it for cheap can rely on Amazon or Walmart. They offer tons of discounts, which can make the prices go down as low as $302.49.
Specifications
| Category | Apple Watch Series 7 | Apple Watch Series 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2021 | 2024 |
| Case Sizes | 41mm, 45mm | 42mm, 46mm |
| Display Type | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED | Always-On Retina LTPO3 OLED |
| Display Brightness | Up to 1,000 nits | Up to 2,000 nits |
| Display Area | ~1,143 mm² (45mm) | ~1,220 mm² (46mm) |
| Processor (SiP) | S7 SiP (64-bit dual-core) | S10 SiP (64-bit dual-core, 4-core Neural Engine) |
| Storage | 32GB | 64GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours (Up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode) |
| Charging Speed | 0–80% in ~45 minutes | 0–80% in ~30 minutes |
| Materials Available | Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium | Aluminum, Titanium (Jet Black and other finishes) |
| Weight | 32–51.5 grams (model-dependent) | 29.3–41.7 grams (model-dependent) |
| Water Resistance | WR50 (50m) | WR50 (50m) |
| Dust Resistance | IP6X | IP6X |
| Heart Rate Sensor | 3rd-gen optical | 3rd-gen optical + electrical sensor |
| Blood Oxygen Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| ECG | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep Tracking | Yes | Yes (with sleep stages and apnea detection) |
| Temperature Sensor | No | Yes |
| Sleep Apnea Detection | No | Yes |
| Depth Gauge | No | No (exclusive to Apple Watch Ultra models) |
| Water Temp Sensor | No | Yes |
| Tides App | No | No (only on Apple Watch Ultra) |
| Connectivity | Wi‑Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, Cellular (optional) | Wi‑Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, Cellular (optional) |
| Ultra Wideband | No | Second-gen UWB chip |
| Operating System | watchOS 8 (upgradable to watchOS 11) | watchOS 11 |
| Price (Starting) | $399 (GPS) (at launch) | $399 (GPS) |
Design & Display
What I like about the Apple Watch Series 10 is that it looks more flattering since it is thinner than the Apple Watch Series 7. The Apple Watch 7 is circular with curved edges, while the Apple Watch 10, on the other hand, has a larger screen and better brightness.
Series 7 offers 1000 nits of brightness, and the Series 10 offers 2000 nits. However, brightness is not the only selling point. I also liked that the Apple Watch Series 10 comes in glossy Jet Black, Rose Gold, and Silver, which look more than luxurious.
Series 7, on the other hand, has a more matte finish and has colours like Midnight, Starlight, green, or blue. By now, you already know that Series 10 has a higher resolution and a sleek and modern look. Hence, it won’t be wrong to say it fits the “next-gen smartwatch aesthetic.”
Features
| Feature Category | Apple Watch Series 7 | Apple Watch Series 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2021 | 2024 |
| Display | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED | Always-On Retina LTPO3 OLED |
| Display Brightness | 1,000 nits | 2,000 nits |
| Case Sizes | 41mm, 45mm | 42mm, 46mm |
| Build Materials | Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium | Aluminum, Titanium (new colors incl. Jet Black) |
| Processor | S7 SiP (64-bit dual-core) | S10 SiP (faster dual-core + Neural Engine) |
| Storage | 32GB | 64GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hrs (36 hrs in Low Power Mode) |
| Charging Speed | 0–80% in ~45 min | 0–80% in ~30 min |
| Heart Rate Sensor | 3rd-gen optical sensor | 3rd-gen optical + electrical sensor |
| ECG App | Yes | Yes |
| Blood Oxygen App | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep Tracking | Yes | Yes + Apnea Detection |
| Temperature Sensor | No | Yes |
| Depth & Water Temp Sensor | No | Yes |
| Tides App | No | Yes |
| Dust Resistance | IP6X | IP6X |
| Water Resistance | WR50 (50 meters) | WR50 (50 meters) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, Cellular (optional) | Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, Cellular (optional) |
| Ultra Wideband Chip | No | 2nd-gen UWB |
| Operating System | watchOS 8 (upgradable to watchOS 10) | watchOS 11 |
| Fall Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Crash Detection | No | Yes |
| SOS Emergency | Yes | Yes |
| Start Price (USD) | $399 (GPS) | $399 (GPS) |
The Series 10 has an inbuilt Siri that operates directly on the watch. This feature helps me be productive throughout the day.
In the case of Series 7, all the requests are processed via iPhone, which was a big hassle. Series 7 also lacks a centralized vitals monitoring app and training insights, which are major discoveries in Apple Watch Series 10.
Other areas of improvement in Series 10 that I like are playing music directly and employing background cancellation while on calls. Series 7 does not support these facilities. Series 7 also lacks ultra-wideband technology, which allows precise location and device tracking features. This is a new update that Apple Watch Series 10 users can enjoy.
Battery Life
One thing that I am not impressed with in both the Apple Watches is the battery life. Both watches run up to 18 hours on standard mode; however, they have fast charging facilities. In terms of the price point, I don’t believe that the battery life is up to the mark.
There is a slight difference, which is very minute. When I charge my Apple Watch Series 7, it reaches up to 80% within 45-50 minutes. Apple Watch 10, on the other hand, is an improved and upgraded version that reaches 80% within half an hour.
Regarding battery life extension, the Series 7 can work up to 36 hours on low mode, while the Series 10 can work up to 48 hours. This difference, although subtle, was a game-changer for time-conscious people like me.
Health Sensors
Although both watches prioritize health, the Apple Watch Series 10 beats Series 7 in certain areas. Apple Watch Series 10 offers sleep apnea detection, a wrist temperature sensor, and a water temperature sensor. It also offers a depth gauge measuring up to 6 meters for underwater activities. Another important upgrade is the medication app and crash detection facility, which were lacking in the Apple Watch Series 7.
However, Watch Series 7 did lay a strong health foundation with its sleep tracking, blood oxygen and heart rate monitoring, and ECG data. It also offers cycle tracking with ovulation, along with fall detection and noise monitoring.
Apple Watch 7 also has a mindfulness app, which can help track the state of mind. But let’s not forget that all these are available in Watch Series 10, along with a few improvements that can make or break it for the buyers.
Sleep Tracking
Apple Watch Series 7 offers a basic sleep support model, whereas the Series 10 offers advanced sleep scheduling and sleep focus features. To determine their functionality, I experimented with both. For sleep tracking, the Series 7 needs a longer charging time, but that is not the case for the Series 10.
The Watch Series 10 only required 8-10 minutes of charging and was able to track my 8 hours of sleep. Don’t worry, it can track even beyond that as long as it is sufficiently charged before bedtime.
Menstrual Tracking
If you have an Apple Watch Series 7, you know that it offers a cycle tracking app and heart rate-based predictions. I find this information to be vital, but Apple Watch Series 10 is more streamlined and specific about it.
Apple Watch Series 10 also has more features in this department, as it offers cycle deviation alerts. This helps me detect irregularities during my menstrual cycle. I generally use Flo, but this helps as well.
Another important invention in this area, which helps me check my ovulation estimates, is the overnight wrist temperature data feature. Again, this is something that Apple Watch Series 7 lacks.
Pregnancy Tracking
Although I have not tested this feature, pregnant women with an Apple Watch Series 7 can only utilize the cycle tracking features. While this is significant, it is not as detailed. Apple Watch 10, on the other hand, has more tailored features for expecting mothers.
Apple Watch Series 10 offers gestational age display and heart rate notifications. To be more precise, it also offers pregnancy symptom logging, like appetite changes and walking steadiness alerts.
Other important features include mental health assessments, which can also impact the baby’s health. Overall, it allows expecting mothers to keep a check on their health, be it physical or mental.
Fitness Tracking
Known for excellent fitness tracking abilities, Apple Watch Series 7 supports various workouts. It can track running, cycling, and swimming. But what about custom workouts?
This is where Apple Watch Series 10 takes the trophy since it also tracks custom workouts. Not only this, but it also measures an intense workout, which helps optimize training. People like me who enjoy water activities can get tidal information for beaches and surf spots.
Apple Watch Series 10 also helps in tracking water depth and temperature. This will come in handy before doing your snorkelling activities.
User Interface
There not much difference in the User Interface as both have similar functionalities and watch OS. Of course Apple Watch 10 has a bigger screen which allows better touch and usability, but besides that there’s no visible difference in the performance.
However, I do not think that would be or should be a user decision-making criterion. Some people prefer good, basic-sized screens, as I do. Please validate! Especially people with thinner wrists. So that’s that!
Software Support
The watches were introduced in different timelines, and there is a notable difference. Apple Watch Series 7 supports up to watchOS 10, and Apple Watch Series 10 supports watch OS 11+, along with many more years of updates.
Although the total support duration of 4-5 years is similar for both, the Apple Watch Series 10 promises a longer software support. Apple Watch Series 7, on the other hand is nearing the end of its software support lifecycle.
Which One Is Better- Apple Watch Series 7 Or Apple Watch Series 10?
By now, you already know that Apple Watch Series 10 is the ultimate winner. I like how Apple Watch Series 7 also has promising features, but Apple Watch Series 10 takes it up a notch.
From display to advanced features in health, fitness, and every other area, the Watch Series 10 proves to be superior.
When it comes to true upgrades, the Apple Watch Series 10 is a good investment for those who are into detailed information. Dynamic changes in various sectors can offer a good user experience. It also has a strong battery life, allowing productive individuals to utilize this watch to its maximum potential.
Hence, users who want the true value out of their smartwatches can blindly rely on the Apple Watch Series 10 over the Series 7.
